The back-to-college season has officially started. However, their admission process is complex and competitive. Speaking of exam scores, extracurriculars, and GPAs, how can you stand out amongst your peers? That’s easy: through your college essay!
A standout essay can give prospective students an edge during the application process. But, there are numerous complexities and nuances involved in them. Still, the art can be mastered by anyone, with enough practice.
So, keep reading to learn expert insights from the former Director of NYU School of Education on how to craft a winning essay.
Understanding the Purpose of the College Essay
The role of a college essay is to allow college admissions offices to learn more about the applicant–beyond test scores, GPAs, and academic achievements. This is the perfect opportunity to set yourself apart from other prospective students and show teams what you would contribute to their campus.
A strong submission is extremely significant in the application process. In fact, it can make or break an application; especially at schools with stricter acceptance rates. Officers look for personality, uniqueness, and writing ability. Showcase skills and highlight talents! This is the right chance to impress college officers, and what goals you want to achieve on their campus and beyond.
Choosing the Right Topic
When choosing a topic for your college essay, remember that this is not the time to take the easy way out. It is paramount to pick a topic that is meaningful. Focus on something that has significant defining factors in the whole life.
Not only is it likely that this will be easier to write about, but it showcases fundamental thought and allows admissions teams to see a more personal side.
Originality and authenticity are key here; avoid clichés at all costs. Instead, speak on personal experiences, things that are paramount to you, or significant people in your whole life.
For example, a college essay written on mentor and their impact on passions, goals, and career paths. This is going to have a strong impact on offices and will provide them insight as to who you are and further ambitions.
On the other hand, writing an extracurricular activity already highlighted in the application can seem repetitive and may not make a lasting impression on admissions counselors
Crafting a Compelling Narrative
It’s time to take a trip down memory lane and think of the storytelling techniques you learned in elementary school. That’s right—back to the basics. Follow the basics of storytelling: build a narrative, engage your reader, and make sure to have a clearly defined theme throughout the essay.
As one of hundreds (or even thousands) of college applicants, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. This is why it is required to focus on engaging the reader on a personal level. When the reader feels a connection to the story, they’re much more likely to remember it.
Effective storytelling is pretty simple. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes and edit the heck out of your first draft. You are your best editor. Don’t be discouraged if there are three, four, five, or more drafts. Each one will be stronger than the last.
Sometimes, storytelling is the best–or only–way to keep the audience engaged. At NYU, I found that writing through the lens of storytelling was the best way to capture and hold the attention of the audience. This was especially helpful with respect to garnering feedback to implement positive changes to programs.
Looking at examples of college essays written by admitted students is a great way to see how students successfully crafted compelling narratives in their essays.
Structuring Your Essay
Speaking of structuring your essay, don’t overthink it. Save that brainpower for crafting an engaging narrative. Stick with the basics here, too. There should be a proper introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. No more, no less. This way, it’s easy for the readers to stay on track and engaged throughout the essay.
Flow and coherence are just as necessary for building a college essay. These are easier to maintain during the time when following a basic essay structure. To stay on track when crafting an essay, follow this simple outline:
- Introduction
- Thesis Statement
- Purpose of your paper
- Body
- Strong point
- Stronger point
- Strongest point
- Conclusion
- Summary of points
Writing with Style and Clarity
Just as flow, coherency, and structure are vital to a strong college essay, maintaining a consistent and appropriate voice and tone is equally significant. This isn’t a casual assignment for your high school English class.
This is an essay that may be the reason you get accepted to a university. It is indispensable for your writing, grammar, and syntax to be polished and error-free.
Writing is a key part of working at any school. In my experience at NYU, I valued how much I was able to learn from my peers and students. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. My writing style evolved greatly throughout my career, and I owe that to my colleagues, students, and peers.
Revising and Editing
An effective revision process always includes a peer review. No ifs, ands, or buts. There is immeasurable value in peer review and feedback. To take it a step further, you could also work with an experienced college consultant who knows exactly what colleges are looking for.
No matter who you decide to review the essay, make sure to learn from those with different perspectives. Don’t take any negative feedback as criticism; view it as an opportunity to learn. In the end, you’ll be a better writer because of it.
It is much easier than what was thought to miss glaring errors after spending hours upon hours on a project. A second set of eyes has been my saving grace in my career at NYU; more than once. By taking advantage of peer review and feedback, I have become a better writer and a better communicator.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Just as it is advisable to steer clear of clichés when writing a college essay, you should also avoid overused topics. That way, avoiding the chance of being forgotten in a sea of similar ideas.
When you’re writing an essay with a unique, personal focus, it’s easier to avoid exaggeration and inauthenticity. These are other sneaky factors that can make admissions officers forget about your essay as soon as they’re done reading it. With a clear and focused narrative, you stand a much better chance of making a lasting impact.
Enhancing College Applications
A strong college essay that shows who you are and who want to be is the best way to enhance your college application and stand out amongst your peers. The college application process is a competitive one, and a personal, engaging essay will give a significant edge in the application.
As a former NYU director, the best essays I’ve read are ones I can still remember, even years later. Essays that have stuck out to me showcased passion, uniqueness, and out-of-the-box thinking. Choose topics that are indispensable to you and the shaping, and the story will come naturally.
Tell your story and show college admissions officers that you belong on their campus. Tell them who and what made you who you are today. Answer them about how you’ll leave your mark on their campus. Start crafting your one-of-a-kind submission and stand out amongst the crowd.
